RIVER CITY YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 03/14/16

RIVER CITY YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 03/14/16

RIVER CITY YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Table of Contents Section 1 Football Season and Game Day Schedules Section 2 Football Divisions with Ages and Weights Section 3 Cheer Divisions with Ages Section 4 Football Rules Section 5 Rookies Football Rules Section 6 Cheer Rules Section 7 Football Coach Rules Section 8 Playoffs and Bowl Games Section 9 Code of Ethics Section 10 League Forms Section 11 Health Documents 03/14/16

SECTION 1 FOOTBALL SEASON AND GAME DAY SCHEDULES 2016 Season Schedule Preseason camp begins August 8 th The first six days shall be limited as defined in Addendum 11 Health Documents Practice schedule o All practices shall be a maximum of 2 hours per practice per day. o Week of August 8 th, 15 th and 22 nd limited to 6 days of practice o Weeks of August 29 th limited to 4 days of practice. o Labor Day weekend (September 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th ) No activities allowed o Week of September 5 th and later limited to 3 days of practice. Round Robin Scrimmage August 27 th Game 1 September 10 th Game 2 September 17 th Game 3 September 24 th Game 4 October 1 st Game 5 October 8 th Game 6 October 15 th Game 7 October 22 nd 1 st Playoff Games and Bowl Games October 29 th Semi-Final Games November 5 th Championships November 12 th Game Day Schedule The games will be played on Saturdays. The game day schedule will be as follows: 8:30am 9:45am Rookies (4 quarters with running 10 minute clock) 9:45am 11:00am Freshmen (4-8 minute quarters) 11:00am 12:15pm Sophomores (4-8 minute quarters) 12:15pm 1:45pm Juniors (4-8 minute quarters) 1:45pm 3:15pm Seniors (4-10 minute quarters) No game will start before its designated time. Check-in Process The League Representatives, or person appointed by the League Representative, shall administer the check-in of players prior to the games. Check-in shall occur at the start of halftime of the previous game. The approved rosters shall be used to verify all coaches and players. Players shall be required to have their valid ID. No player may check-in after kickoff of their game.

SECTION 1 FOOTBALL SEASON AND GAME DAY SCHEDULES Forfeitures Any forfeiture of a game will result in the forfeiting association paying the full cost of the referees for the game. Failure to notify the Chairman of a forfeiture at least three (3) days before the scheduled game will result in a one hundred dollar ($100.00) payable to RCYFL.

SECTION 2 - FOOTBALL DIVISIONS WITH AGES AND WEIGHTS DIVISION AGE WEIGHT ROOKIES 5 Unlimited 6 Unlimited FRESHMEN 7 Unlimited 8 Unlimited SOPHOMORES 9 Unlimited 10 < 80 lbs JUNIORS 10 > 80 lbs 11 Unlimited SENIORS 12 Unlimited 13 < 165 lbs Weight Determination Weigh-ins of 13 year olds and 10 year olds playing in the Sophomores division shall occur at the first game of the season. Players may check-in prior to their team check-in at the halftime check-ins of earlier games by coordinating with the League Rep. All weight-ins must be witnessed by a League Rep and an RCYFL Board Member from different associations. The use of artificial devices such as, sauna bath, steam bath, hot shower, rubber or nylon sweat suits, etc. will NOT be permitted for weight reduction purposes. Violation of this rule shall result in a one (1) year suspension of the Head Coach and any Assistant Coach involved. Age Determination All ages shall be determined as of August 1 st of the calendar year. Age Verification The following shall be acceptable forms of verification: 1. Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued walking permit. 2. U.S. Department of State issued passport. 3. U.S. Department of Defense issued military ID. Rosters 1. Each squad shall complete the Roster form in Addendum 10 League Forms. 2. The League Football Director shall assign Associations to verify the squad rosters. 3. Verified rosters shall be submitted to the League Football Director.

SECTION 2 - FOOTBALL DIVISIONS WITH AGES AND WEIGHTS 4. The maximum number of players rostered on a team shall be 25, with the exception of Rookies, which shall be a maximum of 18. 5. The minimum number of players rostered on a team shall be 15, with the exception of Rookies, which shall be a minimum of 10. 6. Add-on players must be rostered by the first game of the season. Players may be added to a team after the first game with approval from the League Football Director.

SECTION 3 - CHEER DIVISIONS WITH AGES DIVISION AGE ROOKIES 5 6 FRESHMEN 7 8 SOPHOMORES 9 10 JUNIORS 10 11 SENIORS 12 13 Age Determination All ages shall be determined as of August 1 st of the calendar year. Age Verification The following shall be acceptable forms of verification: 1. Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued walking permit. 2. U.S. Department of State issued passport. 3. U.S. Department of Defense issued military ID. Rosters 1. Each squad shall complete the Roster form in Addendum 10 League Forms. 2. The League Cheer Director shall assign Associations to verify the squad rosters. 3. Verified rosters shall be submitted to the League Cheer Director.

SECTION 4 - FOOTBALL RULES General All League games and activities shall be governed by the current edition of the Football Rules Book as published by the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations (NFHS), except where otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. If there is a conflict between any provisions set forth in the NFHS Football Rules Book and any provisions set forth in this Section, the provision set forth in this Section shall prevail. All teams must provide a League Representative to monitor their game. The League Rep will remain on the field during the entire game. League Reps will be identifiable by wearing an RCYFL shirt, hat, and/or visor approved by the League. Failure of an association to provide a League Rep during this time is subject to a one hundred dollar ($100.00) fine by the Chairman. All League Reps must be certified by the League and required to attend a preseason meeting. Game cancellations due to weather or other event shall be determined by the Chairman and League Football Director. Every effort will be made to notify teams by 7am on game day. Homecoming activities are limited to one (1) fifteen (15) minute period. Notification shall be made to all teams one (1) week prior to the game regarding any Homecoming activities during the day. Once players are rostered, the player may not participate on another team without permission of the League Football Director. Equipment Rules 1. All players must wear an NOCSAE approved helmet and facemask with a NOCSAE warning/certification label. Helmets must be re-certified as recommended by the manufacturer. 2. Butt, hip, thigh, and knee pads for pants are required during practices, scrimmages, and games. 3. Shoulder pads are required during practices, scrimmages, and games. 4. A mouthpiece is required during practices, scrimmages, and games. 5. Players must wear cleats. Metal cleats are not allowed. 6. Acceptable footballs include the following: a. Freshman and Sophomores Divisions shall use Wilson K2, Wilson GST-K2, Rawlings R5 PW, Baden FC500PW, Nike Spiral Tech Peewee, Nike Vapor Strike Peewee, and Under Armour 495 GRIPSKIN Pee Wee Football.

SECTION 4 - FOOTBALL RULES b. Juniors Division shall use Wilson TDJ, Wilson GST-TDJ, Rawlings PRO JR, Baden FC500JR, Nike Tactician Junior, Nike Spiral Tech Junior, Nike Vapor Strike Junior and Under Armour 495 GRIPSKIN Junior Football. c. Seniors Division shall use Wilson TDY, Wilson GST-TDY, Rawlings R5Y, Baden FC500Y, Nike Tactician Youth, Nike Spiral Tech Youth, Nike Vapor Strike Youth, and Under Armour 495 GRIPSKIN Youth Football. Teams are allowed to use a sanctioned ball of their choice during offense. 7. A team s uniform shall consist of a jersey, football pants, and team socks. The uniforms for all Participants on a Team must be matching and contain the team s logo and colors. Socks must be worn inside the cleats. The game jersey must be tucked in. Game Rules 1. All game fields shall be regulation width and shall be one hundred (100) yards in length. 2. All fields shall be marked in accordance with the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations (NFHS) Rule Book and all sides roped off the entire area of the field. 3. There will be a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of four (4) Virginia High School approved officials on hand to officiate before any League game can be played. It is the responsibility of the team designated the home team to pay the officials for the game. 4. Chain crew and clock operator must be responsible and must be in place before the coin toss. Clock Operators must be certified. The chain crew will be placed on the VISITOR side of the field. The visiting team will be responsible for providing the chain crew personnel. The exception to this rule is provided when the home team uses the visitor s side of the field. The chain crew will NOT coach or cheer from the sideline. 5. Each game shall consist of four (4) eight (8) minute quarters and an eight (8) minute halftime with the exception of Seniors. Seniors game shall consist of four (4) ten (10) minute quarters and an eight (8) minute halftime. 6. In each game, each football player shall play a minimum of four (4) plays in addition to kickoff and punt teams. 7. Offensive players not wearing eligible numbers do not need to report to the game officials upon entering a game. 8. The ball shall be placed on the two (2) yard line for extra point attempts and shall count as one (1) point for a run and two (2) points for a pass. Extra points and field goals may be scored by kicking method, if goalposts are installed at the field location.

SECTION 4 - FOOTBALL RULES 9. Any games with a tie score at the end of regulation shall proceed into overtime. Regular season games shall not go beyond three (3) overtime periods. All playoff games will be played until a winner is determined. 10. Punting - There will be no punting in the Freshmen Division. In lieu of punting, the offensive team may choose to have the referee step off 25 yards for Freshmen or half the distance to the goal, if on the opposing side of the field. Free punts will be allowed for the Sophomores Division. The offensive team may inform the referee of the punt. All players will remain in formation until the ball is snapped and the punt is away. No fake punts are allowed in the Sophomores Division. If the punted ball does not cross the line of scrimmage, the ball will be ruled dead and the possession will turnover. Punting for the Juniors and Seniors Division will be played live. 11. Mercy/Sportsmanship Rule - If at any time in the game the point differential is 18 points or more, the winning team will move their skilled players on offense (QB, RB, and WR) to non-skilled positions until such time as the point differential is below 18 points. If the roster size does not allow a complete rotation of skilled players, the skilled players must be moved to non-skilled positions on offense. In addition, if at any time in the second half of the game, the point differential is 24 points or more, the game clock will become a running clock stopped only for injuries, penalties, and timeouts.

SECTION 5 - ROOKIE FOOTBALL RULES General All League games and activities shall be governed by the current edition of the National Alliance of Football Rules as published by the National Federation of State High School Athletic association, except where otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. If there is a conflict between any provisions set forth in the National Alliance of Football Rules and any provisions set forth in this Section, the provision set forth in this Section shall prevail. Rookie football rules not specifically defined in this Section shall be governed by Section 4 Football Rules. Purpose The Rookie Division shall be defined as 8 versus 8 tackle football for 5 and 6 year olds. The Rookie Division shall be developmental and instructional. Each team will play a 7 game regular season schedule with 1 bowl game at the end of the regular season. There will be NO playoffs in this division. In each game, each football player shall play a minimum of four (4) plays per half. This does not include extra point plays. Equipment Rules 1. Acceptable footballs include Wilson K2, Wilson GST-K2, Rawlings R5 PW, Baden FC500PW, and Nike Spiral Tech Peewee. Teams are allowed to use a sanctioned ball of their choice during offense. Game Rules 1. The Rookie division games will play on an 80 yard length of field. The end zone markers will be setup at the goal line and 10 yard line for the purpose of designating the 80 yard length. Where feasible, the width of the field will be 120 feet. Cones, markers, etc. shall be setup on the field painted numbers to approximate the 120 foot width. 2. The Rookie division games will have a running clock with four (4) ten (10) minute quarters and an eight (8) minute halftime. There will be clock stoppages for penalties, injuries, extra points, and timeouts. There will be no overtime in the regular season. The quarter, half, or game cannot end on a defensive penalty. One untimed down will be assessed. Three (3) time outs per half will be allowed. For bowl overtime games each team will have one (1) time out per overtime. 3. The minimum number of players to begin and continue to play a game will be seven (7). If the number of available players drops to six (6), the game will be called and forfeit recorded.

SECTION 5 - ROOKIE FOOTBALL RULES 4. One (1) coach per team will be allowed on the field during play. The offensive coach must be 5 yards behind the deepest offensive player at the snap of the ball. The defensive coach must be 5 yards behind the deepest defensive player at the snap of the ball. The offensive penalty is 5 yards and loss of down. The defensive penalty is 5 yards and an automatic first down for these infractions. The field coach shall cease giving player instruction or cheering at the snap of the ball. 5. The Rookie division will be played with 8 players on offense and 8 players on defense. The offense will be required to have a minimum of 4 linemen in a 3 or 4 point stance on the line of scrimmage. The offensive linemen are not eligible to run or catch the ball during the play. The defense will be required to have a maximum of 3 defensive linemen in a 3 or 4 point stance. 6. At the start of the game and the second half, the ball will be put into play by the team in possession from their own 30-yard line (as defined by the field numbers). There will be no punting. In lieu of punting, the team in possession will have the option of having the referee advance the ball 20 yards or ½ the distance to the goal line, whichever is less, to simulate a punt and change of possession will occur. 7. At the snap of the ball, all defensive players except the required three (3) defensive linemen must be at least 3 yards off the line of scrimmage. 8. A defensive player cannot make contact with the offensive center or line up over the center (such as a nose guard) until the quarterback receives the ball from the center, including long snaps. The penalty is 15 yards. 9. Blocking below the waist is not allowed. The penalty is 10 yards from the point of infraction. 10. The games will be officiated by three (3) referees.

SECTION 6 - CHEER RULES General 1. The Cheer Competition Committee shall preside over cheerleading related matters. 2. All coaches must agree to abide by these By-laws by signing the Coach Code of Ethics. 3. All Head Coaches must attend a preseason meeting as determined by the League Cheer Director. 4. Cheerleading squads will be formed based on the criteria outlined in Section 3 Cheer Divisions with Ages. Cheer Coach Rules 1. All Coaches and Team Representatives shall be identified by matching Team colors (i.e. shirts, hats) worn properly. Each squad shall be uniformly matched. 2. Coaches shall spot for all routines that involve a cheerleader leaving the ground. 3. Coaches are to remain in close proximity of her squad during practices and games, and half-time performances. 4. The Head Coach shall be responsible for completing and submitting the Serious Incident Report form for Cheerleaders to the League Cheer Director within 48 hours of incident occurring. The form shall be maintained by the League Cheer Director for a period of not less than 1 year. Forms should be completed for bee sting, ankle twists and major accidents. 5. Pyramids over two (2) levels high are not permitted. 6. All basket tosses should have a minimum of three (3) catchers; two (2) bases and one (1) back spotter, with the required involvement of coaches as detailed below: a. In the Rookies and Freshmen divisions, all basket tosses must have a minimum of two (2) coaches in the catching position. b. In the Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors divisions, all basket tosses must have a minimum of one (1) coach in the catching position. 7. All cheers and dances must be respectful, no explicit lyrics. 8. All music used for cheering must be clean, no explicit lyrics. 9. All Cheerleading squads shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) practices per week during the regular season. Cheer Rules 1. All Cheerleaders must agree to abide by these By-laws by signing the Participant Code of Ethics 2. Lace up athletic/tennis shoes with socks must be worn for practice and games. No heeled, platform soles, or slip on shoes are to be worn. Cheerleaders should wear shoes designated for cheerleading only. Any cause for an exception is to be submitted to the League Cheer Director.

SECTION 7 FOOTBALL COACH RULES General 1. The Football Competition Committee shall preside over football related matters. 2. All coaches must agree to abide by these By-laws by signing the Coach Code of Ethics. 3. All Head Coaches shall be certified by USA Football in the Level I Tackle Certification no later than the first preseason practice. All Assistant Coaches shall be certified by USA Football in the Level I Tackle Certification no later than the first game. 4. All Head Coaches must attend a preseason meeting as determined by the League Football Director. 5. All Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches will be responsible for the proper condition and operation of their players equipment on at all times, as defined by the current edition of the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations (NFHS) Rule Book. 6. The Head Coach is responsible for completing the Serious Incident Report form and submitting to the League Rep within 2 days of any injury to a player that prevents the player from continuing to participate in a game, scrimmage, or practice. Coaching Rules 1. Only the following persons shall be allowed in the coaches' box during a League game: a. Coaches listed on the official team roster. b. A League Representative. c. Up to two (2) water personnel. d. A first aid person. 2. All Coaches and Team Representatives shall be identified by matching Team colors (i.e. shirts, hats) worn properly. Each team shall be uniformly matched. 3. Cell phone use is prohibited during the game, including halftime. Suspension 1. Coaches receiving a bench penalty during the season: a. First violation shall result in an Association receiving a one hundred dollar ($100.00) fine. b. Second violation shall result in an Association receiving a two hundred dollar ($200.00) fine and the coach being suspended for two (2) weeks from the date of violation. c. Third violation shall result in an Association receiving a three hundred dollar ($300.00) fine and the coach being suspended for twelve (12) months from the date of violation. 2. Coaches receiving an ejection during the game will be subject to VHSL rules of suspension.

SECTION 7 FOOTBALL COACH RULES For the suspension period, the coach shall not be involved in practice the week preceding the suspended game or allowed on the sideline during the suspended game. Suspension times are not affected by cancellations or postponements caused by special circumstances including inclement weather. Scouting Rules 1. Scouting will only be allowed at scheduled League games. All scouts must be identifiable by wearing the Association / Team logo or identification and check in with Home Teams League Representative. Scouts may only use pen/pencil and paper or electronic notes for recording information. 2. Scouting will NOT be allowed at practice sessions or controlled scrimmages. 3. A rostered player from one Association may not attend another Association s practices without the written approval of the Association in which the player intends to visit. Failure to comply will result in 2 week suspension for first offense and 1 year suspension for second offense. 4. Scouting will NOT be allowed from the announcer s / press box. 5. Disciplinary Actions for violations of Scouting Rules: a. First offense shall result in the forfeiture of the potentially affected game. b. Second offense shall result in a four hundred dollar ($400.00) fine in addition to forfeiting the potentially affected game and removal from playoff contention. c. Third offense shall result in the Head Coach being dismissed from the League. Filming Rules 1. Filming of games by an Association member, in which his/her team is playing, is permissible. 2. Filming of a game by anyone other than members of the two (2) Associations involved in said game is prohibited, unless one of the participating Associations has engaged an outside photographer to film the game or any portion thereof, to include the use of camera phones. 3. There shall be no swapping or giving of film between Associations for any reason unless the Chairman and League Football Director have given approval. 4. Disciplinary Actions for violations of Filming Rules: a. First violation shall result in a one (1) week suspension of the Head Coach of the filming Association for the potentially affected game as well as forfeiture of the potentially affected game.

SECTION 7 FOOTBALL COACH RULES b. Second violation there will be a suspension of one (1) year of the head coach as well as forfeiture of the potentially affected game and removal from playoff contention.

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SECTION 9 CODE OF ETHICS Player / Parent Code of Ethics Form Refer to www.rivercityfootball.org for latest version. Coach Code of Ethics Form Refer to www.rivercityfootball.org for latest version.

SECTION 10 LEAGUE FORMS Roster Form Refer to www.rivercityfootball.org for latest version. Serious Incident Report Form Refer to www.rivercityfootball.org for latest version.

SECTION 11 HEALTH DOCUMENTS Extreme Heat Exhaustion 1. All teams shall adhere to the approved practice schedule in Amendment 1 - Football Season and Game Day Schedules. 2. If the temperature is 90 o F or more according to a League approved weather application, practice shall be limited to a light workout without helmets and shoulder pads. Normal practice may commence once the temperature is below 90 o F. Violations are subject to a fine up to $500.00 and suspension of the Head Coach, as determined by the Chairman. 3. Players shall have unlimited access to water during practice. Practices should have predetermined water breaks approximately every 15 minutes. The timing and length of the breaks should be dependent on the environmental conditions. Heat Acclimation The first six days shall follow USA Football recommended conditioning: Day Equipment 1 T-shirt, shorts, cleats, mouthpiece, and water bottle 2 Helmet, T-shirt, shorts, cleats, mouthpiece, and water bottle 3 Helmet, T-shirt, shorts, cleats, mouthpiece, and water bottle 4 Helmet, shoulder pads, shorts, cleats, mouthpiece, and water bottle 5 Helmet, shoulder pads, shorts, cleats, mouthpiece, and water bottle 6 Full Equipment, mouthpiece, and water bottle Contact Allowed NONE; includes shields, dummies, etc. NONE; includes shields, dummies, etc. PADS; includes shields, dummies, etc. PADS; includes shields, dummies, etc. PADS; includes shields, dummies, etc. FULL Concussions 1. An athlete who displays signs of a concussion must be removed from participation. Before the athlete can resume participation (game or practice) he or she must be examined by a licensed physician and released by the physician to resume participation. 2. If a concussion is diagnosed by the physician, the parent of the athlete must provide the player s association and Chairman a release note to return to football or cheer from the physician and receive approval by the Chairman before resuming participation.

SECTION 11 HEALTH DOCUMENTS 1. Disciplinary Actions for violations of concussion procedures: a. First offense shall result in a monetary fine up to $500 for the association and suspension of the coach for 4 weeks. b. First offense by a parent or player shall result in the player being suspended for a minimum of 4 weeks. c. Second offense by an association, coach, parent, or player shall result in being automatically removed from the League. Hydration Guidelines This information was taken from MomsTeam.com and the complete article can be found at http://www.momsteam.com/print/275. To keep from becoming dehydrated, your child must drink fluids before, during and after exercise. To promote fluid intake in kids, fluids containing salt (i.e. sports drinks) have been shown to increase voluntary drinking by 90% and prevent dehydration compared to drinking plain water. To ensure that your child is drinking enough, you should see that she drinks fluids according to the following schedule: Ages 6 to 12 Ages 13 to 18 Before Sports Drinking fluids prior to exercise appears to reduce or delay the detrimental effects of dehydration. 1 to 2 hours before sports: 4 to 8 ounces of cold water 10 to 15 minutes before sports: 4 to 8 ounces of cold water During Sports Every 20 minutes: 5 to 9 ounces of water or a sports drink, depending on weight (5 for a child weighing 88 pounds, 9 ounces for a child weighing 132 pounds) After Sports Post-exercise hydration should aim to correct any fluid lost during the practice. Within two hours: at least 24 ounces of water or a sports drink for every pound of weight lost Before Sports Drinking fluids prior to exercise appears to reduce or delay the detrimental effects of dehydration. 1 to 2 hours before sports: 8 to 16 ounces of cold water 10 to 15 minutes before sports: 8 to 12 ounces of cold water During Sports Every 20 minutes: Between 5 and 10 ounces of water or sports drink, depending on weight After Sports Post-exercise hydration should aim to correct any fluid lost during the practice. Within two hours: at least 24 ounces of water or a sports drink for every pound of weight lost